Homeschooling in North Dakota: Laws & Requirements (2026)

North Dakota takes a measured approach to homeschool regulation—more oversight than the states that ask nothing, but far less burdensome than high-regulation states like New York or Pennsylvania. You'll file notification with your local district, test at four grade levels, and track your instructional time. In exchange, the state grants broad curriculum freedom.

The most distinctive feature of North Dakota's law is the "monitored" pathway for parents without high school diplomas. Rather than barring such families from homeschooling, the state allows it under certified teacher supervision for an initial period. This creates genuine access while providing a safety net. For most families—those with diploma-holding parents—the requirements are straightforward and manageable.

North Dakota Homeschool Requirements at a Glance

Two Pathways: Independent vs. Monitored

North Dakota offers two distinct homeschool pathways based on parent qualifications^[1]:

Independent Homeschool: For parents with a high school diploma or GED. You file notification, teach required subjects, test at designated grades, and operate without ongoing oversight. This is the pathway most families use.

Monitored Homeschool: For parents lacking a diploma or GED. A certified teacher monitors your homeschool for the first two years, submitting progress reports twice yearly to the superintendent. After two years of successful monitoring—and if test scores remain at or above the 50th percentile nationally—you may transition to independent status.

The monitored option ensures access to homeschooling for all families while providing additional support for those who may benefit from professional guidance during the initial years.

Independent vs. Monitored Homeschool

How to Start Homeschooling in North Dakota

Testing Requirements

North Dakota mandates standardized testing in grades 4, 6, 8, and 10^[1]. Tests measure academic progress in core subject areas and must be nationally-normed achievement tests.

You have two testing options: use the same test the local school district administers (at district expense), or choose a different nationally-normed test (at your expense). The flexibility to select your own test allows you to pick an assessment that aligns with your teaching approach.

Test results go to the superintendent. North Dakota doesn't set a minimum passing score for independent homeschoolers, but monitored students who fall below the 50th percentile may need continued monitoring beyond the initial two-year period.

Testing Schedule

Testing Exemptions

Certain parents may exempt their children from standardized testing requirements^[1]. Exemptions are available if the parent holds:

- A bachelor's degree (any field) - A valid teaching license - Praxis certification - A bachelor's degree combined with a sincere moral, philosophical, or religious objection to testing

If you qualify for an exemption, you must still file a statement of intent and meet other homeschool requirements—only the testing mandate is waived. These exemptions recognize that qualified parents can adequately assess their children's progress without standardized tests.

Record-Keeping Requirements

North Dakota requires homeschools to maintain basic records demonstrating compliance with instructional requirements. You'll need to document:

Attendance: Track that you're meeting the 175-day minimum with at least 4 hours of instruction daily^[2]. A simple log noting dates and approximate hours is sufficient.

Curriculum Coverage: Maintain documentation showing you're covering required subjects—those taught in North Dakota public schools. Keep curriculum materials, course descriptions, and work samples.

Test Results: Retain copies of standardized test scores for grades 4, 6, 8, and 10.

The superintendent may request an inspection of these records, though this is uncommon. Good record-keeping protects you if questions arise and creates useful documentation for transcripts, college applications, or transfers.

Essential Records to Maintain

Sports and Extracurricular Access

North Dakota allows homeschoolers to participate in public school athletics with local school district approval^[3]. Same eligibility standards apply to homeschoolers as full-time enrolled students—academic requirements, age limits, residency rules.

Access depends on individual district policies. Most districts welcome homeschool participation, but you should contact your local school to confirm their specific procedures and requirements. Some may require documentation of homeschool status and academic standing.

Beyond public school sports, North Dakota has homeschool athletic associations and co-ops offering competitive and recreational sports. These provide alternatives for families preferring homeschool-specific programs or those in districts with restrictive policies.

High School, Graduation & Beyond

North Dakota homeschool parents issue their own diplomas. There's no state-recognized homeschool diploma or external graduation requirements—you establish your own standards and award the credential when your student meets them.

For college-bound students, create comprehensive transcripts documenting courses, grades, and credits. North Dakota's universities, including UND and NDSU, accept homeschool applicants and evaluate them alongside traditionally schooled students. SAT and ACT scores provide standardized data points that complement your transcript.

The 10th-grade test requirement means most homeschoolers already have standardized test documentation by the time they're considering college. This can supplement or substitute for entrance exam scores in some admission contexts.

The Monitored Pathway Explained

For parents without a high school diploma or GED, the monitored pathway provides access to homeschooling with additional support^[1].

A certified teacher monitors your homeschool, observing instruction periodically and reviewing student progress. This monitor submits reports to the superintendent twice yearly documenting that adequate education is occurring.

After two successful years of monitoring—with standardized test scores at or above the 50th percentile nationally—you may petition to transition to independent status. If test scores fall below this threshold, continued monitoring may be required until scores improve.

The monitoring requirement acknowledges that parents without educational credentials can effectively homeschool while providing a verification mechanism during the initial period. Many monitored families successfully transition to independent status after the two-year period.

The Bottom Line

North Dakota strikes a balance between homeschool freedom and accountability. File your notification, teach required subjects, test at four grade levels, and maintain basic records. For parents with a diploma or GED, this is the extent of state involvement.

The monitored pathway ensures access for all families while providing structured support for those who may benefit. Most families never interact with this provision—they simply homeschool independently after filing their statement of intent.

Start by filing your notification at least 14 days before beginning instruction. From there, focus on providing excellent education. North Dakota's moderate requirements are designed to be manageable, not burdensome.